Patentable/Patents/US-8488912
US-8488912

Systems and methods for socially-based correction of tilted images

PublishedJuly 16, 2013
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Systems and methods for socially-based correction of tilted images. In an embodiment, the present invention levels tilted images by (1) receiving an image; (2) rotating the image by a random angle; (3) requesting at least one user rotate the image to level the image; (4) determining a collective user-suggested angle based on the rotations of each user; and (5) transmitting, over a communication network, a correction angle, where the correction angle is based on the random angle and the collective user-suggested angle.

Patent Claims
18 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A computer-implemented method to correct a tilted image, comprising: receiving a plurality of user-suggested angles over a communication network, wherein each of the user-suggested angles represents a rotation of the tilted image by at least one user; and determining, by a computing device, a correction angle to level the tilted image based upon at least the received plurality of user-suggested angles.

Plain English Translation

A computer program corrects tilted images by receiving rotation suggestions from multiple users over a network. Each user provides an angle representing how much they would rotate the image to level it. The program then calculates a final "correction angle" based on these user-provided angles to automatically level the image.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: displaying the tilted image to the at least one user, wherein the user-suggested angles are received in response to the displayed tilted image.

Plain English Translation

In the method to correct a tilted image by receiving rotation suggestions from multiple users over a network, and calculating a final "correction angle" based on these user-provided angles to automatically level the image, the tilted image is displayed to the users, and their angle suggestions are received in direct response to viewing the displayed image.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 , wherein displaying the tilted image comprises: masking the tilted image; and displaying the masked titled image to the at least one user.

Plain English Translation

In the method to correct a tilted image by receiving rotation suggestions from multiple users after the tilted image is displayed, displaying the tilted image involves masking the image and then showing the masked version to the users.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3 , wherein the masking comprises creating a round cut-out of the tilted image, and wherein the round cut-out hides each border and edge of the tilted image.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to image processing techniques for enhancing visual presentation, particularly in applications where images are displayed at an angle or orientation that may expose borders or edges. The problem addressed is the visual distraction caused by visible borders or edges when an image is tilted or rotated, which can detract from the aesthetic or functional quality of the display. The method involves masking the tilted image by creating a round cut-out that effectively hides the borders and edges of the image. The round cut-out is applied to the tilted image, ensuring that only the central portion of the image is visible while the peripheral edges are concealed. This technique is particularly useful in digital displays, user interfaces, or any application where images are dynamically adjusted in orientation. The masking process may involve image segmentation, edge detection, or other computational techniques to precisely define the round cut-out region. The result is a cleaner, more visually appealing presentation where the image appears to be seamlessly integrated into the display without distracting borders. This method can be applied in various contexts, including graphical user interfaces, augmented reality, or any system where image orientation is dynamically adjusted.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 , wherein displaying the tilted image comprises: rotating the tilted image by a random angle; and displaying the rotated tilted image to the at least one user.

Plain English Translation

In the method to correct a tilted image by receiving rotation suggestions from multiple users after the tilted image is displayed, displaying the tilted image involves first rotating the tilted image by a random angle and then showing this randomly rotated image to the users.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5 , wherein displaying the rotated tilted image comprises: masking the rotated tilted image; and displaying the masked rotated tilted image to the at least one user.

Plain English Translation

In the method where a randomly rotated tilted image is displayed to users, displaying the rotated tilted image involves masking the rotated image and then showing the masked, rotated version to the users.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: transmitting, over a communication network, a signal corresponding to the correction angle.

Plain English Translation

In the method to correct a tilted image by receiving rotation suggestions from multiple users and calculating a final "correction angle" to level the image, the program transmits a signal corresponding to the calculated "correction angle" over a communication network.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein determining the correction angle comprises: determining a common angle, wherein the at least one user has rotated the image by an individual user-suggested angle within a range of angles, and the common angle is within the range; summing the common angle and a random angle, wherein the rotation by the at least one user is performed upon the tilted image rotated by the random angle; setting, if the sum is nonzero, a collective user-suggested angle to be the common angle; and determining the correction angle based upon at least the collective user-suggested angle and the random angle.

Plain English Translation

In the method to correct a tilted image, determining the correction angle involves these steps: First, determine a "common angle" agreed upon by enough users. A random angle is added to the tilted image. Users then rotate the image to level it, and the common angle is within the range. Then, sum this common angle and the initial random rotation angle. Finally, if the sum is not zero, the correction angle is determined based on both this "collective user-suggested angle" (the common angle) and the initial random angle.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 8 , wherein determining a common angle comprises determining the common angle based on the number of the users that have rotated the image within the range of angles, the number exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Plain English Translation

In the method determining a "common angle" agreed upon by enough users, the "common angle" is determined based on the number of users that have rotated the image within a specific range of angles, only if that number exceeds a predefined threshold. For example, at least 5 users must have suggested a similar angle.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 8 , wherein determining a common angle comprises determining the common angle based on a majority of the users that have rotated the image within the range of angles.

Plain English Translation

In the method determining a "common angle" agreed upon by enough users, the "common angle" is determined based on the angle suggested by a majority of the users that have rotated the image within a specific range of angles.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the correction angle is a sum of a random angle and a collective user-suggested angle determined based on the received plurality of user-suggested angles, wherein the rotation by the at least one user is performed upon the tilted image rotated by the random angle.

Plain English Translation

In the method to correct a tilted image, the correction angle is calculated as the sum of a random rotation angle applied initially, and a "collective user-suggested angle" determined based on multiple user suggestions, where users are adjusting the image after it has already been rotated by the random angle.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. A system, comprising: a processor; a memory communicatively coupled to the processor; and an image angle calculator, configured to be executed by the processor and further configured to: receive a plurality of user-suggested angles, wherein each of the user-suggested angles represents a rotation of the tilted image by at least one user; and provide a correction angle to level the tilted image based upon at least the received plurality of user-suggested angles.

Plain English Translation

A system for correcting tilted images consists of a processor, memory, and an "image angle calculator". The calculator receives rotation suggestions from multiple users, where each suggestion represents a user's attempt to level the tilted image. Based on these suggestions, the calculator provides a final "correction angle" to level the image.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The system of claim 12 , further comprising an image displayer configured to be executed by the processor and further configured to display the tilted image to the at least one user, wherein the user-suggested angles are received in response to the displayed tilted image.

Plain English Translation

The system for correcting tilted images contains an "image displayer" that displays the tilted image to users. The rotation suggestions from users are directly related to the displayed image, feeding into the "image angle calculator" that provides a final "correction angle" to level the image.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The system of claim 13 , further comprising an image repository, coupled to the image angle calculator, that is configured to suggest a rotation of the tilted image by the correction angle.

Plain English Translation

The system for correcting tilted images contains an "image repository" that suggests a rotation of the tilted image by the correction angle, as well as an "image displayer" that displays the tilted image to users and an "image angle calculator" that provides a final "correction angle" to level the image based on user suggestions.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The system of claim 13 , further comprising an image masker, coupled to the image displayer, that is configured to mask the tilted image.

Plain English Translation

The system for correcting tilted images includes an "image masker" that masks the tilted image before it is displayed. The masked image is displayed by the "image displayer" to the user, and the "image angle calculator" provides a final "correction angle" to level the image based on user suggestions.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the image masker is configured to create a round cut-out of the image, wherein the round cut-out hides each border and edge of the image.

Plain English Translation

In the system using an "image masker," the masker creates a round cut-out of the image. This cut-out hides the borders and edges of the image from the user, while the "image displayer" shows the masked tilted image and the "image angle calculator" provides a final "correction angle" to level the image based on user suggestions.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The system of claim 12 , wherein the image angle calculator comprises: an angle analyzer, that is configured to determine a common angle, wherein at least one of the at least one user rotates the image by an individual user-suggested angle within a predetermined range bounding the common angle; an angle summer, coupled to the angle analyzer, that is configured to sum the common angle and a random angle, wherein the rotation by the at least one user is performed upon the tilted image rotated by the random angle; and a correction angle calculator, coupled to the angle summer, that is configured to set, if the sum is nonzero, and to calculate the correction angle, wherein the correction angle is a sum of the random angle and the common angle.

Plain English Translation

In the system that corrects tilted images, the "image angle calculator" includes an "angle analyzer" to determine a "common angle" (an angle a number of users suggest). An "angle summer" adds this common angle to the initial random rotation angle. A "correction angle calculator" determines the final correction angle as the sum of the random angle and the common angle, if that sum is not zero.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. An article of manufacture comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having instructions encoded thereon that, in response to execution by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform operations comprising: receiving a plurality of user-suggested angles, wherein each of the user-suggested angles represents a rotation of the tilted image by at least one user; and determining a correction angle to level the tilted image based upon at least the received plurality of user-suggested angles.

Plain English Translation

A computer-readable medium stores instructions. When executed, these instructions cause a computer to receive rotation suggestions from multiple users, where each suggestion represents a user's attempt to level the tilted image, and to calculate a final "correction angle" based on these user-provided angles to automatically level the image.

Classification Codes (CPC)

Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

December 27, 2011

Publication Date

July 16, 2013

Want to explore more patents?

Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.

Citation & reuse

Analysis on this page is generated by Patentable — an AI-powered patent intelligence platform. AI-generated summaries, explanations, FAQs, and analysis may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL below. Patent abstracts and claims are USPTO public domain.

Cite as: Patentable. “Systems and methods for socially-based correction of tilted images” (US-8488912). https://patentable.app/patents/US-8488912

© 2026 Nomic Interactive Technology LLC. Machine-readable context available at /api/llm-context/US-8488912. See llms.txt for full attribution policy.